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Rolling stock equipped with air brakes are not suitable for operations in hill terrain due to some short comings, they cannot remain stationary on inclined surfaces. So the Romanian Astra compartments with vacuum brakes are used in this line. Although there is one exception in the case of class S12 which also uses air brakes, although this type uses a brake designed and built by a German company known as Knorr&bremse.

Well firstly I don't think these Chinese carriages were not imported for the upcountry in the first place. Because they are lengthy (65 ft as I remember). We have real tight curves in upcountry line (less than 100 m curve radius). 55 ft Romanian carriages are also barely taking those curves. Ideal length is around 50 ft I think (as in S12).

Then this air brakes case; I don't really think "Air Brakes" are the one to blame. Best example is as Mach3 forwarded S12 is performing nicely on upcountry with "Air Brakes". So, in my opinion those Chinese carriages has weak braking system which can not hold it on the incline. (Don't forget, we have the highest incline (1:44) anywhere in the world on broad gauge. (5' 6"). So it had to be real tight brakes). S12 nailed it because their brakes are tight enough to hold the train. There could be other properties as well. But it's not a problem with Air Brakes.

Does New Railway tracks with ballasted concrete available beyond Anuradhapura to Kankesanturai and Colombo to Maho line?

When is SL gov going to start the renovation for Maho to Anuradhapura line?

GoSL once said that it would lay a new track parallel to the old up-to maho thereby making it a double line. None of these happened but they should now seriously consider rebuilding the maho-anuradhapura section as the condition of it is dreadful and deteriorating fast. The jaffna intercity has to take on a harsh beating while doing only around 55-60 on this section.

GoSL once said that it would lay a new track parallel to the old up-to maho thereby making it a double line. None of these happened but they should now seriously consider rebuilding the maho-anuradhapura section as the condition of it is dreadful and deteriorating fast. The jaffna intercity has to take on a harsh beating while doing only around 55-60 on this section.

Now this project is under bid preparation stage. IRCON proposes they would like to lay a paralel line. But railway department arguing that they don't have a double line form POL-MHO. So the thing will be a rehabilitation from MHO to Omanthai. From Apur to Omanthai also a weak trak.

Train services have been disrupted on the upcountry line between kotagala and Hatton due to a derailment when the night mail was traversing through the section. This has taken place over a bridge which is worst case scenario as it has ripped through the sleepers and also metal structural components which holds the bridge. To make matters worse the steam crane which was deployed to assist the situation too had derailed and as a result the control room says that it would take two weeks to resolve the situation.

On a side note did anyone notice what locomotive was deployed with the night mail yesterday. For what I saw it looked like the M2 627, someone please confirm.

Train services have been disrupted on the upcountry line between kotagala and Hatton due to a derailment when the night mail was traversing through the section. This has taken place over a bridge which is worst case scenario as it has ripped through the sleepers and also metal structural components which holds the bridge. To make matters worse the steam crane which was deployed to assist the situation too had derailed and as a result the control room says that it would take two weeks to resolve the situation.

On a side note did anyone notice what locomotive was deployed with the night mail yesterday. For what I saw it looked like the M2 627, someone please confirm.

Any serious damage to the loco and the train? Hope SLR would complete the railway lines for upcountry with ballasted concrete asap.

Renovation of Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa railway line complete in two years

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - 13:15

Irangika Range

The renovation work of the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa railway line which has been suspended for many years due to the conflict will be commenced shortly to facilitate an efficient passenger and goods transportation.

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the restoration project will be completed within two years.

Minister De Silva made these remarks during an observation tour in Polonnaruwa Railway station today.

Over 12,000 sleepers are required for the reconstruction of 90 kilometer long railway line between Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa and around 10,000 sleepers have already been brought to the site.

“Currently, trains run on this line at a very low speed of 60km per hour due to many bridges and over 60 culverts. But, trains can speed over 100 km per hour easily after the renovation reducing the time needed to travel passengers between Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa,” said the Minister.

He further said that the encroachment by people on the railway land is a main reason to delay the renovation. Steps will be taken to remove unauthorized occupants according to existing circulars approved by the Cabinet for the eviction of people.

Land surveying and mapping are being conducted currently to acquire lands belonging to the Sri Lanka Railways.

Does New Railway tracks with ballasted concrete available beyond Anuradhapura to Kankesanturai and Colombo to Maho line?

When is SL gov going to start the renovation for Maho to Anuradhapura line?

Up to PLG and beyond OMT the track is good. Trains can run up to 100kmph and 120kmph respectively (beyond OMT. but recently they have reduced the speed limit as I heard)

And no, I'm not aware of the time line of the project. I also heard about double tracking proposal. I think it's much needed. And I agree with Mach3 about the condition of the said section. It's in very serious condition and need an repair ASAP.

Any serious damage to the loco and the train? Hope SLR would complete the railway lines for upcountry with ballasted concrete asap.

Locomotives were safe (the train consisted two locos) three varies were badly damaged. And track was badly damaged too. The bridge also had some damages. Anyways re-railing works are finished now. Track repairs are going on now. By a day or two they will finish everything I hope.

How did this happened ? did the loco driver exceed the speed limit on the bridge ? Any latest update on Hatton railway line ? have they moved those 3 damaged carriages to Repair centre?
SLR have to upgrade the upcountry railway lines asap. It's affecting the passenger safely and tourism.

Locomotives were safe (the train consisted two locos) three varies were badly damaged. And track was badly damaged too. The bridge also had some damages. Anyways re-railing works are finished now. Track repairs are going on now. By a day or two they will finish everything I hope.

What is the train name ? why it was hauled by two locos on the day of the accident ? According to above video, one of the loco which hauled the train was W3.

What is the train name ? why it was hauled by two locos on the day of the accident ? According to above video, one of the loco which hauled the train was W3.

The train was the Colombo - Badulla Night Mail, no.#1045. It was hauled by two locomotives, one was M2c 627 and the other was an M6. Both locos were double headed, instead of one loco which was supposed to be banking the train from behind. I got info from some driver stating that their is some kind of a gradient into the entry to the Kotagala railway bridge, and the train was a bit too fast while entering the bridge, whereas the carriages started wobbling and bouncing, causing it to derail.
The W3 in the video is only for the break down train, and there was also an M5c, no.767 involved in the break down train. Making matter worse, even the steam crane which was hauled by M6 795 had also derailed.

The proposal made by Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to enter into loan agreements with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank for obtaining funds for the above project, which the cost is estimated as USD 93.86, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CABINET OF MINISTERS AT ITS MEETING HELD ON 25-07-2017

The proposal made by Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the Minister of National policies and Economic Affairs to hold negotiations and enter in to agreements on long facilities provided by the Austrian Government, to implement a project at a cost of 7.6 million Euros, for following activities, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

 Reestablishment of 07 bridges which are more than 100 years old in coastal, Northern and Matale lines.
 Renovation of Maho, Galle and Dematagoda
 Provision of tools and equipment for maintenance of rail road network.

DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CABINET OF MINISTERS AT ITS MEETING HELD ON 01-08-2017

The proposal made by Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to enter into loan agreements with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Hatton National Bank for obtaining funds for the above project, which the cost is estimated as USD 93.86, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CABINET OF MINISTERS AT ITS MEETING HELD ON 25-07-2017

NEWS.LK

Haleef,

Do you think SLR really need the more Diesel locomotives? I think SLR better invest on confortable coaches. What do you think LHB Coaches which are being built in India by German manufacturer.

Yes in my opinion, I think they need more better, and more useful engines. Even today I was on an M6 locomotive's cab while it was hauling a coastal line slow train, and I realised the locomotive finds it very difficult to pull the train. Even the driver was mentioning that it barely pulls 8 carriages alone on the up country line. But nevertheless, still a brilliant locomotive, in service for almost 38 years.
The coaches look good, but I doubt SLR will purchase coaches as such. Also new trains will be arriving later this year soon, as the tracks leading to the Colombo Port and also in some areas around Dematagoda are currently being/already been replaced with new rails and sleepers, and also ballast :P .